Etihad Cargo, the logistics arm of Etihad Airways, has entered into a strategic partnership with LODD Autonomous, an Abu Dhabi-based advanced air mobility company, to explore the use of hybrid Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft in middle-mile logistics operations across the UAE.
The collaboration will center on trial operations using ‘Hili’, LODD’s next-generation hybrid VTOL Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) capable of carrying up to 250 kilograms over 700 kilometers. Unlike conventional cargo aircraft, ‘Hili’ can operate without runways or airport infrastructure — enabling direct, point-to-point deliveries between logistics hubs, warehouses, and industrial sites.
The experimental phase aims to assess the aircraft’s operational efficiency, safety, and integration within existing ground logistics systems, with the potential to dramatically reduce delivery times and emissions.
“As a fellow Abu Dhabi-based company, LODD Services shares Etihad Cargo’s ambition to transform the future of air mobility,” said Stanislas Brun, Chief Cargo Officer at Etihad Airways. “Together, we aim to open new possibilities for smarter, faster, and more sustainable cargo movement across the UAE.”
Through this initiative, Etihad Cargo seeks to complement its traditional fleet with agile, short-range UAVs that enhance resilience and flexibility in its logistics network. The move aligns with the carrier’s broader sustainability roadmap and supports the UAE’s vision of advancing autonomous and green transport technologies.
Rashid Al Manai, Chief Executive Officer of LODD Autonomous, highlighted the potential of the partnership:
“We designed the ‘Hili’ Hybrid VTOL UAV to bridge critical gaps in traditional logistics, especially in the middle-mile segment. By creating direct aerial corridors between logistics hubs, it ensures faster, more efficient transport — crucial for industries like healthcare and manufacturing where timing is everything.”
LODD Autonomous specializes in automation, AI-driven logistics, and autonomous vehicle systems, serving various sectors, including e-commerce and healthcare. Its collaboration with Etihad Cargo could set new standards for autonomous air freight in the Middle East, paving the way for large-scale adoption of sustainable aerial logistics solutions.
This initiative marks another milestone in Etihad Cargo’s efforts to reshape air logistics through innovation and sustainability, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s growing position as a global hub for next-generation transport technologies.
